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Member Interests
- Computers & Internet - I love editing photo, playing games, surfing - you name it!
- Crafts - I like to tinker in different crafts
- Travel - My daughter and I have been to Florida X2 and the Dominican Republic.
- Adoption - I adopted my daughter as a baby in 1996
- Scrapbooks - If only I can stop being afraid of cutting the nice paper! lol
- Baseball - I would love to play again someday
- Boating - I love to go for a ride or fishing with my darling husband
- Video Game Systems - Wii addict!
- E-Bay - Buying and selling
- WLS in your 40's - I would love to be able to extend my life well beyond the 40's
Latest Surgery Support Comments
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hey surgery
sistah!!!! Wishing
you the best and a
quick and speedy
recovery! You are
going to do
AWESOME!!!
I cant wait for us
to join the losers
bench together!!!!!!
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Hey sweety,
Your in my thoughts
and prayers and I
hope you have a
quick and uneventful
recovery.
Big hugs,
Nancy
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DO OR DO NOT....THERE IS NO TRY!
Hello 
I am a 43 year old Mom of a beautiful 13 year old daughter who I adopted when she was just a baby. I work in the Long Term Care field as an Activity Programmer with Alzheimers clients. I mention these two things because they are the reasons, along with my health of course, that I NEED to lose weight.
31 lbs GONE! 1 day ago
I am officially down 31 lbs! (14 lbs while on Optifast and 17 lbs post op). I guess that is definitely a WOW moment!
I had my follow-up appointment on Thursday with Dr. Klein and he seems satisfied with my progress so far). It was an awful trip though. I went down and back in the same day so I spent about 9 hours on the road. I was only in Toronto for about an hour and about 3 minutes of that with Dr. Klein. I also had the chance to talk to Dr. Hagen and thank him for being so kind just before I went into surgery. What a nice man.
On the trip down, about 15 minutes into my trip, I started to run into areas where it had recently snowed. Luckily the roads were bare but very wet. It was a nice sunny morning but the sun was hitting the wet roads at just the right angle to blind me every few minutes. My poor eyes were so sore. Once I hit the 401, then I got the salt spray from the big trucks and I swear there were twice as many as usual! My red SUV turned white! lol
On the way home, I got a little of everything....rain, snow, whiteouts and with my eyes already shot from the morning's drive, it was a loooong trip. I think next time I will plan on staying overnight until the clocks go back and I can drive in daylight and better weather.
I had a somewhat humorous thing happen on my trip to Toronto yesterday. Back in August I hurt my tailbone but it would only bother me if I sat a certain way. It wasn't bad on the last couple of trips to Toronto and I never really thought about it. Yesterday it was so sore. Even with painkillers, it wasn't easing up. I couldn't figure out why until it finally dawned on me. I have lost 30 lbs. I don't have as much fat protecting the area. I actually laughed out loud. Now I have to see the chiropractor! lol
That's my adventure. I was so glad to be home.
I am having some trouble with getting the protein in and some foods getting stuck. If I drink the protein shakes, I don't have room for food. I am still not eating too much but some days are better than others. One day I can eat something and the next day it will get stuck. I had talked to Dr. Klein about that and he said that I may have to get the area stretched. It is not uncommon for that to happen due to the scar tissue forming too thick.
I have a few more days of pureed food and am a little nervous about the solids. If it causes me more pain, I will just go back to pureed until it gets easier.
Other than that, I am feeling good and looking forward to losing more weight. I am a little concerned about clothes for work but I have a couple of different sizes that I could wear. I plan to take my nice tops to the consignment store and can buy some things there as well.
Until next time...............
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Update on Changes So Far on November 12, 2008 6:47 am
I have managed to lose a total of 23 lbs so far. 14 lbs was while on Optifast and 10 lbs since surgery (14 days). It seems like I have fallen off track a bit as I was losing about 1 lb each day. I think the scale is laughing at me. It isn't making it easy, that's for sure!
I took my measurments as well and here are the updated numbers:
Weight 260 lbs (283 lbs) = -23 lbs
Height 5' 6"
Bust 48½" (49") = -½"
Waist 46½" (48") = -1½"
Hips 57" (58") = -1"
Thighs 27" (28") = -1"
Arms 15" (15") = no change
Neck 13¾" (14½") = 1"
Calf 16½" (16½") = no change
Ankles 9½" (9½") = no change
So, there are some changes - not much but it is getting there. Today, I start on pureed food! Yay! I am a little nervous because I can sure feel food going down when it is not small enough. Even the curds on cottage cheese need to be chewed well. I guess the big test will be when I start on regular food in a couple of weeks.
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One Week Later on November 5, 2008 3:13 am
As of noon today, it will be one week since my surgery. Wow! Where has the week gone???!!!
I weighed myself this morning and I am now down 7 lbs since surgery - 21 lbs since starting the Optifast diet. I am eating and drinking well, I think. It's so strange the things that I like now that I would never have eaten before. Anything with sweetener, for example. I detested it but now I am putting it in my decaf tea, on cereal and in some foods as well. I don't even taste the aftertaste anymore. I hope I can keep feeling that way.
Yesterday, I felt like I had eaten like a pig compared to the previous days. I am still having very small amounts but am getting use to knowing when to eat and when to stop. I learned about how you shouldn't drink before eating. I had milk at lunch and didn't have room for lunch itself. I bought some protein mix yesterday in a strawberry flavour so I will see how that tastes today. It will be nice when I can mixed it with frozen strawberries and bananas. One more week and I can do that.
I was able to swallow my Oxycontin pill whole today instead of having to crush the Percocet. The percs just weren't handling my arthritis pain as well as the Oxycontin so it will be nice to switch back and be less sore.
I talked to a couple of friends yesterday. I have such supportive people in my life. I don't know how I got so lucky. I don't think I really have any negative people so I am so fortunate. If I did, I just wouldn't talk to them about it. This surgery is not for everyone but I felt it was the right thing for me and I have no regrets. For those who have never struggled with extreme weight, it is difficult to understand but once I explain the things that I want to achieve, it usually brings more understanding.
I'm not sure what I am going to do today. Yesterday I was full of energy, shopping, making soup, doing laundry and then crashed at 8 pm. I had my first full sleep since the surgery so that felt great.
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3 Days Post op on November 1, 2008 4:43 am
I had my surgery at noon on Wednesday October 29th. The whole experience was a little strange to me though. I have had several surgeries but never in the big city. Things are done so much differently. At times, it felt like the pre op was like a cattle corral. Although no one was rude or anything like that, the volume of people made it very impersonal. When I have had surgery before, I had always been given a bed first and then wheeled to the OR. This time, I had to walk into the OR and right up on to the Operating table. It was just not what I was used to.
At the admission, I was told that I was having Dr. Kline again. I thought they made a mistake but was assured that it was he who was doing the operation. I felt relieved at I had never met Dr. Sohi. I am sure Dr. Sohi is a great surgeon or he wouldn't be on the MIS team but I would prefer to meet the person who is doing the surgery. After all, I went from Dr. Kline to Dr. Huyhn to Dr. Sohi to Dr. Kline again. Musical Surgeons! lol
Just prior to going to the OR, I spotted Dr. Hagen. He came over to me and told me that Dr. Kline was delayed but they would go ahead and start the surgery without him. I ended up having Dr. Kline AND Dr. Hagen! Gee, I felt so special! Dr. Hagen was sooo nice and compassionate. While he spoke to me, he had his hand on my knee and asked if I was ok. He seemed so sincere about it.
When I woke up from surgery, I was in PAIN! Now, as I said, I have had surgeries before, most recently a hysterectomy in March, and I have a pretty high pain threshold normally, but this hurt...BAD! I immediately asked for something for pain and then started to heave. I didn't actually throw up but once I was being wheeled to my room, the motion made me feel even worse and started to heave on the way there. I swear the orderly hit every wall on the way to my room! lol
Once I was settled in my room, I slept off and on the rest of the day. My husband told me that things took a little longer than expected and he was so relieved when he saw me again. It was a rough day for me but once I figured out that the only way I could eat is if I had pain meds first, I did much better.
On Day 2, I was starting to feel somewhat better. I finally figured out that the pain meds weren't coming unless I asked for them. Within a few minutes of taking them, I would feel so much better and actually wanted to drink and even eat.
I had a couple of visitors today. MDWife (Sharon) and Crazyfurlabs2 (Cheryl) from the OH Ontario forum. First, Sharon arrived. She brought me a beautiful journal to keep a record of my journey and we chatted about how my surgery went etc. A few minutes later, Cheryl came and she brought me an adorable angel ornament. Jesse, the ladies and I had a wonderful visit and we talked like we were old friends. It was so encouraging as up to that point, I had not been feeling very good. I was sad to see them leave but felt so fortunate to have met them both.
Denise (the Dietitian) stopped in to see how I was doing and told me that they would up my clear fluids to full fluids for supper. I was surprised how much better I was feeling by suppertime and the full fluids went very well. I didn't eat much, but what I did eat stayed put very well.
Dr. Klein's associate (sorry, her name escapes me) came in to check up on me as well. She seemed happy with the progress and assured me that all had gone well.
I was glad to see my favourite RN back on duty this evening as well. She was so helpful and kind. It was very reassuring.
On Day 3, I was feeling pretty good so by the time Dr. Kline's associate arrived, I told her that I was ready to go back to the hotel. My breakfast arrived, they ran another IV bag of anti-inflammatory through and then came to disconnect me. Wow! Freedom! I took my time walking down to the entrance and Jesse brought the car around for me. When we got to the hotel room, I lay down right away as I felt so tired from all of the walking. It wasn't home but the next best thing!
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The morning before the day of..... on October 28, 2008 2:49 am
Wow! Are my emotions all over the place! I am crying at the drop of a hat.
Just the fact that my surgery is tomorrow is still mind boggling. I never expected it to happen so soon. Not that I am complaining, it's just so quick! I have a history of things that are mean't to be, happening fast. When my ex and I applied to adopt, the average wait was 5 years at that time. Well, 4 days after our home study we were asked to consider taking in a 7 month old baby for the foster to adopt program. Two months later, I was a mommy! I never have time to prepare for anything! lol
Yesterday, I did most of my packing. We are staying in Toronto for a week so I have to try and think of as many things that we will need as possible. I came across the stuffed cow that my husband and daughter made at the Build a Bear Workshop and had a brainwave. I dug out the first little dress, a plain jumper, that I bought for my daughter, before I even met her. I tried it on the cow and Voila! It fit like a charm! I even put on her little Mary Jane shoes. Now I can bring a little more of her with me. I am feeling sad because this will be the first Halloween that I haven't been with her. I know she is 13 but it is still a tradition for me to help her with her makeup etc. I bought her a little card and put some money in it so she can buy herself something while I am gone. I wanted to buy her something, but, well, she is 13 and 13 year olds love money! lol
As of this morning, I am down 14 lbs since I started the Optifast 13 days ago. I have cheated a little here and there but have behaved myself pretty good. I have lots of vanilla left over because I just couldn't stomach it. You would think they could make it taste better. Yuck!
We are going to head for Toronto this afternoon. They are calling for a big snowstorm so hopefully we will miss it. I hate winter driving and try to avoid it where possible.
I must remember to take some "before" pics to put on here. I want to keep track of my progress.
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Musical Surgeons on October 23, 2008 2:39 am
Well, the Dr's office called a couple of days ago and asked if I would be ok with a change to another surgeon. This time it would be Dr. Sohi. Apparently, Dr. Huynh was going to be assisting another surgeon that day and would not be available. Seeing as though I was halfway through my Optifast torture, arranged my time off work, arranged my life in general, what was I to do? I said yes, of course.
I am sure that Dr. Sohi is a very capable surgeon but I find it difficult because I cannot find any info on him. He is not even listed in the surgeons list on the OH site! Researching keeps me in control of a situation so now I feel like I am out of control. I have accepted this but am still feel a little funny about it all.
I need to work on my Will and Living Will this weekend. I tried to start the Will but it is hard to do. I don't want to forget anything. I am not planning on dying anytime soon but it will be off my mind if it is done. When I had my hysterectomy in March, it really played on my mind prior to surgery.
6 more days until I am there.....
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PATTS and Optifast on October 18, 2008 2:56 am
I had my PATTS appointments last week and it started off great. I was told that the Nurse was a little behind so they would send me for the other tests. First was the EKG, then chest XRAY, then blood work, and then the Anesthesiologist. I flew through them within the first hour. I was happy because I was thinking I could beat the heavy traffic out of the city. Was I wrong! I ended up waiting almost 2 hours before I saw the RN! Oh well, at least it is done now. I have a lot of respect for people who have to drive in Toronto traffic everyday. It's a wonder they aren't all crazy! (although I did see a few that went over the edge I think lol).
This week I started on the Optifast diet. I was nervous about how it would taste and at first, when I opened the vanilla, I though it wasn't bad. The first sip went OK and then the second. That's when the medicinal taste kicked in. It is so rich and sweet.....not my cup of tea at all. How on earth would I manage to have 4 of these a day.......with no food!
Well, it hasn't been easy. The most I have been able to stomach is 2 per day. I also have clear fluids like soup broth, jello and some lettuce or celery. Last night, I broke down and had some butter-free popcorn. It tasted like heaven! I have never been so obsessed with food in my life! I crave bread......even a dried out old slice of a crust.............just a bite! 
Last night, my husband and daughter and I went on our usual Friday night outing to McDonald's and Walmart. I went in to the restaurant with them and thought, why would I stay here when I can't have anything? The smell was getting to me so I went ahead to Walmart while they ate. Once I got away from the food, I was OK.
I know that post-op, I won't be able to have many of the foods that I have been enjoying in the past. The one difference that I am looking forward to is that I won't feel that sick hungry feeling anymore (I hope!).
It's a tough road, but the destination will be sooooo worth it!
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It's off to TO.....again on October 9, 2008 2:09 am
Well, this is trip #6 to Toronto for this WLS journey. I think I can just nap in the back of the car because it knows how to get there on it's own! lol
I don't really think the whole thing has sunk in yet. Last week I had all the time in the world to prepare and now I have less than 3 weeks! I am starting my Optifast next week. I better get in some good meals before then! We went out to celebrate on Tuesday at a local restaurant. Their specialty is schnitzel and it is sooooo good. I was only able to eat half of it but I was able to enjoy the rest at lunch yesterday.
My family is so excited for me. I talked to my Dad last night about the whole thing. He is the one person I wasn't sure about but he is in my corner. I know he is worried but he also knows, like all of my family, the struggle I have had since I was a kid. My health problems are getting worse and some days I feel like I am 90 instead of 43!
Last night I showed Jesse (my husband) all of the replies that I received when I told the Ontario forum about getting my date. I told him that was the reason I love this site. There are so many people who understand the issues and care about each other. It is wonderful and I am so grateful.
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I GOT A DATE! OMG!!! on October 8, 2008 5:24 pm
I saw Dr. Klein last week for my follow-up consult and he told me I would have to wait about 8 months. The ladies at the desk told me they would call about 2 months before to let me know when the date was. Well, Monday, I received a messge from their office to call back. I was hoping it was for a date but didn't expect it. I called back yesterday and Beatrice asked if I would be ok if Dr. Huynh did the surgery instead. I have heard good things about him so I said I would be fine with that. Then she gave me a surgery date of OCTOBER 29TH!!!!!!!!!
I am still in shock. I have so many things to do before then. I have to go to Toronto on Thursday for my pre-op tests and to pick up my Optifast. I can't believe it! I am still in shock!!!!!
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Follow-up Consult on October 3, 2008 2:59 am
Well, everything is a go for surgery. Dr. Klein asked me if I had made a decision about going ahead or not. I told him that I had my mind made up long before our FIRST consult! lol He went over the procedure and risks again and I signed the papers to have the surgery.
While I was there, I had him check my swollen belly button. He poked and prodded and I had a lot of pain beside me belly button (Doctors always know how to find the sore spot right away. I could poke all day and not find it!) he told me that I have a small hernia and that once I had surgery and lost weight it should get better but if not, he would repair it. I guess I will have to be careful lifting stuff because I can feel it pulling. I think I got the hernia after my hysterectomy that I had in March 2008. At the 6 week mark I was back to lifting things at work and remember feeling a pull at one point. Guess I was not quite healed yet.
Anyway, Dr. Klein told me that the wait would be about 8 months. That was disappointing news as I was hoping for February or March 2009 at the latest. His secretary said that they would call me about 2 months before the surgery to give me the date. I am hoping that it will be sooner. On the bright side, at least everything is still a go!
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Archive
My Story I have had a battle all of my life with my weight. I think I gave up a few years back when I managed to get within a few pounds of being under 200 only to gain it all back - with a few extra. This left me feeling completely defeated.
I have been lucky enough to be able to take trips the past 3 years with my daughter using the money that I saved from quitting smoking. During these trips, I worried about not fitting on the seats of amusement park rides, being too heavy to ride a horse or to have anything happen because of my weight that would embarass my daughter.
I have the most supportive family in the world. They love me no matter what size I am. They are behind me 100% in my journey toward gastric bypass because they know that I want and need it.
A few years ago, I lost a close friend suddenly. She was just doing dishes, told her husband that her arm hurt and then just fell down, dead! A massive heart attack. Just like that! Gone! She left her wonderful husband, two boys and a huge group of family and friends missing her terribly!
This was such a wake-up call. I have high blood pressure that had been out of control for a while. My Dr. even told me that I was going to have a heart attack or stroke! I lived my life in fear of dying until it was under control. Even now, if I get a strange feeling in my chest, I become paranoid. I'm afraid to do strenuous activities. What a way to live your life....in fear!
I have tried many different diets but nothing seems to work for long. I'm ready for a change. I have poured over information and this site has been so helpful. I am realistic. I know it will hurt. I know my eating will change. I know that I will have to work at losing. I also know that underneath all of this weight is a younger, healthier and more active person who is busting to get out.
I would love to meet new friends who have been down this road already and those who are walking along side me.
Hope to "meet" you soon!
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